Coroutine Meaning: Definition and Examples
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coroutine
[ˌkɔːrəˈtiːn ]
Definition
programming concept
A coroutine is a general control structure whereby flow control is cooperatively passed between the various routines within a program. Unlike regular subroutines, coroutines can yield control back to the caller and resume later, allowing for asynchronous programming models and scalable applications.
Synonyms
asynchronous function, generator, task.
Examples of usage
- The coroutine handles multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Using coroutines simplifies the state management of the program.
- Coroutines are commonly used in game development for handling animations.
Interesting Facts
Computer Science
- Coroutines help manage concurrent tasks by allowing a program to pause and resume functions, improving efficiency in multi-tasking environments.
- They are commonly used in modern programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript, for handling asynchronous operations like network requests and animations.
Pop Culture
- The concept of coroutines has influenced various programming tutorials and memes in developer communities, often humorously likening them to juggling multiple balls.
- Some popular video games use coroutines to manage complex animations and game states, enabling smooth transitions and interactions without lag.
Psychology
- The mental model of switching tasks, similar to how coroutines manage functions, reflects our brains' capabilities to handle multiple threads of thought, though not as efficiently as computers.
- Research in cognitive psychology suggests that humans often struggle with multitasking, whereas coroutines are designed to operate seamlessly without 'overloading.'
Literature
- Coroutines can be likened to collaborative storytelling, where multiple authors add to the narrative at different times, each influencing the story's direction.
- Some programming textbooks use storytelling techniques to explain coroutines, making the often technical subject more relatable.
Origin of 'coroutine'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'coroutine' was coined by computer scientist Melvin Conway in 1958, combining 'cor' (meaning together) with 'routine' (a sequence of instructions).
- The original concept was inspired by the idea of coroutines in programming languages like LISP, a language developed in the late 1950s.
The term "coroutine" was coined by the computer scientist Melvin Conway in 1958 to describe a program component that generalizes subroutines for cooperative multitasking. Coroutines enable multiple entry points for suspending and resuming execution, as opposed to traditional subroutines that have a single entry and exit point. The concept gained traction in programming to manage state efficiently and perform tasks in a non-blocking manner. The growing demand for asynchronous programming in web applications and game development has led to further exploration and implementation of coroutines in various programming languages. This evolution reflects the need for more efficient use of resources, particularly in handling I/O operations and managing multiple concurrent tasks.